Variable timing apparatus



Jan. 1, 195'? R. H. LONG 376,384

VARIABLE TIMING APPARATUS Filed Dec. 5, 1952 /nven'zor. P/CHQD H L NG.

2,776,384 VARIABLE TIMING APPARATUS Richard H. Long Rogue River, reg., assignor to Farr gornpany, Los Angeles, Calif a corporation of Caliorma Application December 5, 1952, Serial No. 324,311

18 Claims. (Cl. 307-132) This invention has to'do with variable timing apparatus and it is an object of the invention to provide apparatus of this character which is substantially simple and dependable in operation and which is such that it can be readily varied in action to meet a very wide range of conditions.

Timing devices or mechanisms are used extensively for the control or operation of a very wide range of devices, mechanisms or equipment, and when they are more than a mere clock or the like, they in most cases are complicated, particularly when variation or adjustment is required. For example, in many instances variable or adjustable timers employing electrical motors as prime movers involving releasable clutches, return springs and various other devices or mechanisms all of which make for complicated construction, and are in practice subject to failure or inaccurate operation.

It is a general object of this invention to provide a timer mechanism or timing device which is adapted to operated electrically and which is such that it can be varied or adjusted to operate with a very wide range and with accuracy, all without employing delicate or uncertain devices such as ordinarily characterized mechanisms of this general character.

It is another object of this invention to provide timing apparatus of the general character referred to, characterized by two timing mechanisms connected in series and related so that one operates constantly and continuously while the other is controlled by the first, and is operated intermittently.

It is another object of this invention to provide timing apparatus of the general character referred to, characterized by timing mechanisms connected in series by a connecting circuit which is under control of a variable cam means driven by the first mechanism in the series, and which operates to effect intermittent operation of the second mechanism in the series.

It is a further object of this invention to provide timing apparatus of the general character referred to wherein a simple practical dependable cam operated by the first mechanism of the series controls the second mechanism which in turn operates a simple dependable cam that operates the control switch of the unit or equipment controlled by the apparatus.

The apparatus of the present invention is characterized by two timing mechanisms which are connected in series by a connecting circuit and which are adapted to operate a control means such as a switch which in turn controls a circuit to the unit to be operated or governed by the apparatus. The apparatus is preferably energized by a single or common power circuit, and each mechanism in the apparatus is electrically energized and includes a simple prime mover. The first or primary timing mechanism is adapted to operate uniformly and continuously while the other or secondary mechanism is adapted to operate intermittently and under direct control of the primary mechanism. In a preferred embodiment of the invention the primary mechanism is charatent acterized by a variable or adjustable means, preferably a cam mechanism which controls the connecting circuit between the mechanisms, while the secondary mechanism is characterized by a fixed cam that operates the control switch governing the unit control led by the apparatus.

The various objects and features of my invention will be fully understood from the following detailed description of a typical preferred form and application of the invention, throughout which description reference is made to the accompanying drawings, in which:

Fig. 1 is a diagrammatic view illustrating in a general way typical embodiment of the invention being a view illustrating the principal mechanical parts of the apparatus. Pig. 2 is a diagrammatic view illustrating the invention and indicating the mechanical parts as they are combined with or related to the electrical elements employed in carrying out the invention. Fig. 3 is a detailed view illustrating a mechanism that may be employed in the switch of the connecting circuit that occurs between the primary and secondary timing mechanisms, and Fig. 4 is a detailed sectional view illustrating a construction that may be employed in the variable or adjustable cam mechanism of the primary timer mechanism.

in the embodiment of the invention illustrated in the drawings, there is a primary timing mechanism A, a secondary timing mechanism B, a connecting circuit C between and connecting the mechanisms A and B, a control switch D, operated or controlled by the mechanism B, and a unit E controlled by switch D. It is further preferred that the apparatus include a holding circuit P which serves to hold the mechanism B in operation to complete a full cycle thereof when the switch D has been operated and regardless of whether or not the connecting circuit C between the mechanisms A and B remains closed or energized. In the particular situation illustrated in the drawings electrical energy is supplied from a main power circuit carried by lines iii and 11 and the several elements or units involved are all energized or driven from the main power circuit. A master control switch 12 is shown in the circuit carried by the lines 10 and 11.

The primary timer mechanism A is a continuously and uniformly operating mechanism characterized by a prime mover 15 that operates at a uniform speed and continuously. The motor 15 may be an ordinary synchronous motor connected by lines 16 and 17 in the circuit carried by the power lines 10 and 11, so that it is energized and operating so long as the main power circuit is energized. in practice it is preferred to provide a primary mechanism A with a speed-reducing mechanism 2% that serves to effect a suitable speed reduction between the motor shaft 21 and a drive shaft 22. On practice the speed-reducing mechanism 29 may vary widely in form and construction and may be constructed to gain any desired speed reduction between the shafts 21 and 22. In a typical situation and for purpose of example, it may be considered that the mechanism 29 is such as to effect a speed reduction of some, say, 3600 R. P. M. of shaft 21 to speed in the order of two R. P. H. of shaft 22. In such a situation with the motor 15 making many revolutions per minute, and the drive shaft 22 making but two revolutions per hour, the motor 15 may be a very small unit in a structure where the shaft 22 is required to operate a switch-actuating cam.

In the embodiment of the invention illustrated in the drawings the connecting circuit between the timer mechanisms A and B is energized from the main power circuit carried by lines 10 and 11 and inciudes generally a switch 25 in the connecting circuit, which circuit is completed from the switch 25 to the mechanism B by a line 26.

The switch 25 of the connecting circuit C is adapted to be operated by an adjustable or variable means 27, preferably a cam mechanism. In the case illustrated, the cam mechanism or means 27 is carried by the drive shaft 22 so that it is a part of mechanism A and it is cooperatively related to switch 25 so that the follower 28 of the cam mechanism is on the operating arm 29 of the switch.

The particular cam mechanism illustrated in the drawings is of sectional construction and includes two similar plate-like sections 30 and 31, mounted on the drive shaft 22 by means of hubs 32 and having their peripheries 33 curved concentric with the shaft 22. Each plate or the periphery 33 of each plate extends through an arc of about 180 degrees and the two sections 3% and 31 are rotatable on the shaft 22 through the hubs 32 so that the plates can be arranged in register with each other or side by side and in register so that the cam mechanism has an effective periphery extending through 180 degrees, or the sections 30 and 31 can be in various relative rotative positions between the one just described and a position where they are diametrically opposite and establish the cam with a periphery which is continuous and which extends 360 degrees around the shaft. The mechanism just described is provided with lock means such as set screws 34 or are in connection with the hubs 32 so that the variable cam mechanism just described can be set or adjusted into various rotative positions of the shaft with the cam sections in various positions relative to each other.

The switch 25 of the connecting circuit C is connected in the line 26 that extends from power line 11 to the mechanism 3 and in practice it may vary widely in form and construction. In the particular case illustrated, switch 25 is so constructed that it can be set to be open when the follower 28 rides on the periphery 33 of a cam section or it can be the opposite of this, that is, set so that it is closed under this condition. Likewise, the switch can be set so that it is open when the follower drops into a space X established between cam sections, or it can be set to be closed when in this condition.

The particular switch mechanism 25 illustrated in the drawings includes a switch arm adapted to be operated by the cam mechanism 27 and as illustrated, the follower 28 of the cam mechanism is mounted directly on the switch arm and engages the periphery of the cam sections or moves inwardly toward the shaft into the space X occurring between the cam sections. The arm 29 is shown as carried by block of insulating material, and a bracket 42 carries opposed contacts 43 and 44, which are screw contacts at opposite sides of arm 29. One part of the line 26 is electrically connected to the arm 29 while the other part of the line 26 is connected to the bracket :12, carrying the contacts 43. From Fig. 3 of the drawings it will be immediately apparent that through adjustment or positioning of the contacts 43 and 44 the action of the switch 25 can be varied or adjusted in the manner hereinabove pointed out. For purpose of example, the switch 25 will be referred to as set or adjusted, so that it is open when the follower 28 rides on the periphery of the cam section and is closed when the follower drops into space X.

The timer mechanism B is preferably characterized by a prime mover in the form of a motor which is preferably a synchronous motor connected with the main power circuit through the line 26 and the line 51, which connects to line 10 of the main power circuit. The mechanism B includes a speed-reducing device or mechanism 52 provided to efiect a substantial speed reduction between the motor shaft 53 and a drive shaft 54. The reducing mechanism 52 may be of any suitable construction and for example may be considered as a gear-type mechanism effecting a predetermined speed reduction between shaft 53 and 54.

The secondary timer mechanism B further includes a cam on shaft 54 to be driven thereby, cam 55 being part of a mechanism including a follower 56 carried on the arm 57 of the control switch D. In the particular case illustrated cam 55 is a simple disc-like element with a periphery 58 concentric with shaft 54 and having a recess or notch Y at its periphery.

The control switch D is provided as means for control unit E which is the element adapted to be finally operated or controlled. In practice, switch D may be of any suitable form or construction as shown in the drawings. It controls a circuit through a line 60 that connects the power line 11 with one terminal of unit E while a line 61 connects power line 10 with the other terminal of unit E. The switch D includes the operating arm 57 carrying follower 56 and is open when the follower is engaged with the periphery 58 of the cam. When the follower 56 drops into the recess Y the switch D is closed.

The means or circuit E provided by the invention serves to maintain the motor 50 of mechanism 13 in operation so long as the follower 56 is depressed or in recess Y and regardless of whether or not motor 50 is maintained energized through the connecting circuit C. The circuit E is preferably established through a line 70 extending from switch D to the line 26, at a point between switch 25 and motor 50. Suitable contacts incorporated in the switch D complete the circuit from power line 11 to line 70 when switch D is closed. These contacts are such that this circuit remains closed so long as the follower 56 is in recess Y. It is to be noted of course that the unit E to be operated or controlled by the apparatus above described may in practice vary widely in form or character and in fact may be any means or structure subject to control in the manner hereinabove set forth.

In a typical setting or embodiment of the invent-ion the switch 25 operated by the primary timer mechanism A may be set time percentagewise by adjustment of cams 30 and 31 so that the switch 25 is operated at predetermined percentage of total time. For each operation of switch 25 there will be an operation of the secondary time mechanism B and the extent of this openation of mechanism B will correspond in time to the extent of the operation of switch 25 by mechanism A. The operation of switch 25 by mechanism A is directly related to operating time of B so that it takes a predetermined ntunber of operations of switch 25 to effect a complete cycle of mechanism B, that is, to cause cam 55 to rotate from a starting position to a position where the follower 56 drops into the recess Y, and then finally lifts therefrom to the starting position. It will be readily understood from the foregoing description that assuming a given ratio of speed is gained by mechanism 20 and a given ratio of speed is gained by mechanism 52 while motors 15 and 50 operate at predetermined speeds the over-all action or timing gained by the apparatus can be varied widely through adjustment of the cam mechanism 27 and if necessary by rotating the action of that mechanism with that of switch 25. For example, if it is desired that switch 25 be closed when the follower 28 drops into recess X, the cam sections 30 and 31 can be set so that the switch is closed for a period corresponding to one-half a revolution of shaft 25 down to a period which is all but instantaneous. if the switch 25 is set to be closed when the cam follower 28 is on the periphery of the cam sections, then the action can be such that the switch remains closed for one-half of one revolution of the shaft 22 up to infinity or to continuous closing, all of which of course would not be employed in a practical situation.

Having described only a typical preferred form and application of my invention, I do not wish to be limited or restricted to the specific details herein set forth, but wish to reserve to myself any variations or modifications that may appear to those skilled in the art and fall within the scope of the following claims:

Having described my invention, I claim:

1. A timer including, a continuously operating primary timing mechanism, a secondary timing mechanism intermittently operated by the primary trirning mechanism,

means connecting the said mechanisms and including an element driven by the primary timing mechanism and intermittently closing a switch in a circuit to the secondary timing mechanism to operate the secondary timing mechanism, and a control switch actuated by the secondary timing mechanism.

2. A timer including, an electrically driven continuously operating primary timing mechanism, an electrically driven secondary timing mechanism intermittently operated by the primary timing mechanism, means connecting the said mechanisms and including a switch in a circuit to the secondary timing mechanism intermittently operated by the primary timing mechanism and controlling operation of the secondary timing mechanism, and a control switch actuated by the secondary timing mechanism.

3. A timer including, a continuously operating primary timing mechanism including a variable power driven actuating mechanism, a. secondary timing mechanism intermittently operated by the primary timing mechanism, means connecting the said mechanisms and including an element driven by the said power driven actuating mechanism of the primary timing mechanism and intenmittently closing a switch in a circuit to the secondary timing mechanism to operate the secondary timing mechanism, and a control switch actuated by the secondary timing mechanism.

4. A timer including, a continuously operating primary timing mechanism including a variable power driven cam mechanism, a secondary timing mechanism intermittently operated by the primary timing mechanism, means connecting the said mechanism and including a switch intermittently operated by the said power driven cam mechanism of the primary timing mechanism and closing a circuit to control operation of the secondary timing mechanism, and a control switch actuated by the secondary timing mechanism.

5. A timer including, an electrically driven continuously operating primary timing mechanism, an electrically driven secondary timing mechanism intermittently operated by the primary timing mechanism, means connecting the said mechanisms and including an element driven by the primary timing mechanism and intermittently closing a switch in a circuit to the secondary timing mechanism to operate the secondary timing mechanism, and a control switch actuated by the secondary timing mechanism.

6. A timer including, a primary timing mechanism including a motor adapted to operate continuously, a cam mechanism, and a speed reducing drive from the motor to the cam mechanism, a secondary timing mechanism intermittently operated by the primary timing mechanism, means connecting the said mechanisms and including a switch operated by the cam mechanism of the primary timing mechanism and closing a circuit to operate the secondary timing mechanism, and a control switch actuated by the secondary timing mechanism.

7. A timer including, a continuously operating primary timing mechanism, a secondary timing mechanism intermitten-tly operated by the primary timing mechanism, cam mechanism driven by the timing mechanism; means connecting the said mechanisms and including a switch operated by the cam mechanism of the primary timing mechanism and closing a circuit to operate the secondary timing mechanism, and a control switch actuated by the cam mechanism of the secondary timing mechanism.

8. A timer inciuding, a primary timing mechanism including a motor adapted to operate continuously, a cam mechanism, and a speed reducing drive from the motor to the cam mechanism, a secondary timing mechanism intermittently operated by the primary timing mechanism and including, a motor, a cam mechanism, and a speed reducing drive from the motor to the cam mechanism, means connecting the said mechanisms and including a switch operated by the cam mechanism of the primary timing mechanism and closing a circuit to o 6 operate the secondary timing mechanism, and a control switch actuated by the cam mechanism of the secondary timing mechanism.

9. A timer including, a continuously operating primary timing mechanism including a variable power driven cam mechanism, a secondary timing mechanism intermittently operated by the primary timing mechanism, means connecting the said mechanisms and including a switch operated by the said power driven cam mechanism of the primary timing mechanism and closing a circuit to operate the secondary timing mechanism, and a control switch actuated by the secondary timing mechanism, the cam mechanism including, two cooperatively related cam sections carried on a shaft and adapted to be adjusted relative to each other and to the shaft.

10. A timer including, a continuously operating primary timing mechanism including a variable power driven cam mechanism, a secondary timing mechanism intermittently operated by the primary timing mechanism, means connecting the said mechanisms and including a switch operated by the said power driven cam mechanism of the primary timing mechanism and closing a circuit to operate the secondary timing mechanism, and a control switch actuated by the secondary timing mechanism, the cam mechanism including, two cooperatively related cam sections carried on a shaft and adapted to be adjusted relative to each other and to the shaft, each cam section having a periphery concentric with the shaft and extending through an angle of substantially degrees.

ll. A timer including, a continuously operating primary timing mechanism including a variable power driven cam mechanism, a secondary timing mechanism intermittently operated by the primary timing mechanism and including a fixed cam, means connecting the said mechanisms and including a switch operated by the said power driven cam mechanism of the primary timing mechanism and closing a circuit to operate the secondary timing mechanism, and a control switch actuated by the cam of the secondary timing mechanism.

12. A timer including, an electrically driven primary timing mechanism including a variable power driven cam, said mechanism being adapted to operate continuously, an electrically driven secondary timing mechanism including a fixed cam and adapted to operate intermittently, a switch in a circuit to secondary timing mechanism adapted to be held closed by the fixed cam during operation of the secondary timing mechanism, and means connecting said mechanisms, including a switch closing a circuit to operate the secondary timing mechanism and closed by the variable cam.

13. A timer including, an electrically driven primary timing mechanism including a variable power driven cam, said mechanism being adapted to operate continuously, an electrically driven secondary timing mechanism including a fixed cam and adapted to operate intermitently, a holding switch in a circuit to secondary timing mechanism adapted to be held closed by the fixed cam during operation of the secondary timing mechanism, means connecting said mechanisms, including a switch closing a circuit to operate the secondary timing mechanism and closed by the variable cam, the holding switch adapted to hold the secondary timer in operation so that it completes a predetermined cycle of operation each time it is set in operation.

14. A timer including, an electrically driven primary timing mechanism including a variable power driven cam, said mechanism being adapted to operate continuously, an electrically driven secondary timing mechanism including a fixed cam and adapted to operate intermittently, a holding switch in a circuit to secondary timing mechanism adapted to be held closed by the fixed cam during operation of the secondary timing mechanism, means connecting said mechanisms, including a switch closing a circuit to operate the secondary timing rnecha-- nism and closed by the variable cam, the holding switch adapted to hold the secondary timer in operation so that it completes a predetermined cycle of operation each time it is set in operation, said holding switch ocing responsive to the action of the fixed cam.

15. A timer including, an electrically driven pri: airy timing mechanism including a variable power driven cam, a synchronous motor, and a speed-reducing drive from the motor to the cam, said mechanism being adapted to operate continuously, an electrically driven secondary timing mechanism including a can. and adapted to operate intermittently, a holding switch in circuit to secondary timing mechanism adapted to be held closed by the fixed cam during operation of the secondary timing mechanism, means connecting said mechanisms, including a switch closing a circuit to operate the secondary timing mechanism and adapted to be opened by the variable cam.

16. A timer including, an electrically driven primary timing mechanism including a variable power driven cam, said mechanism being adapted to operate continuously, an electrically driven secondary timing mechanism including a fixed earn, a synchronous motor, and a speedreduciug drive from the motor to the fixed cam, said secondary timing mechanism being adapted to operate intermittently, a holding switch in a circuit to the secondary timing mechanism adapted to be operated by the fixed cam, and means connecting said mechanisms including a switch in a circuit to the secondary timing mechanism controlling the secondary timing mechanism and adapted to be operated by the variable cam.

17. A timer including, an electrically driven primary timing mechanism including a variable power driven cam, a synchronous motor, and a speed-reducing drive from the motor to the cam, said mechanism being adapted to operate continuously, an electrically driven secondary timing mechanism including a fixed cam, a synchronous motor, and a speed-reducing drive from the last mentioned motor to the fixed cam, said secondary timing mechanism being adapted to operate intermittently, a holding switch in a circuit to the secondary timing mechanism adapted to be held closed by the fixed cam during operation of the secondary timing mechanism, means connecting said mechanism, including a switch in a circuit to the secondary timing mechansim controlling the secondary timing mechanism and adapted to be operated by the variable cam.

18. A timer including, an electrically driven primary timing mechanism including a variable power driven cam, a synchronous motor, and a speed-reducing drive from the motor to the cam, said mechanism being adapted to operate continuously, an electrically driven secondary timing mechanism including a fixed cam, a synchronous motor, and a speed-reducing drive from the last mentioned motor to the fixed cam, said secondary timing mechanism being adapted to operate intermittently, a holding switch in a circuit to the secondary timing mechanism adapted to be held closed by the fixed cam during operation of the secondary timing mechanism, means connecting said mechanisms including, a switch controlling the secondary timing mechanism and adapted to be operated by the variable cam, the variable cam mechanism including, two cooperatively related cam sections carried on a shaft and adapted to be adjusted relative to each other and to the shaft, each cam section having a periphery concentric with the shaft and extending through an angle of substantially 180 degrees.

Dickey Feb. 11, 1941 Rex Dec. 4, 1951 

